Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in Fatal Overdose

Leroy Steele Obtained Fentanyl From China Before Distributing the Drug in Northern OH

APR 26 (CLEVELAND, Ohio) – An Akron man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling Fentanyl that had been obtained from China, and resulted in a fatal overdose. Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja, and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Detroit Field Division, Timothy J. Plancon, made the announcement today.

Leroy Shuarod Steele, 36, pled guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents, the Fentanyl that was distributed by Steele resulted in the fatal overdose of a person identified as “T.R.” on March 21, 2015, in Akron. Steele obtained the Fentanyl from suppliers in China and then distributed the drug to people in Akron, and Fairlawn, Ohio.

“Mr. Steele’s actions resulted in the death of another person,” Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said. “Those who profit from selling the heroin and opioids that have devastated our state will be held accountable for their actions.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda H. Barr following an investigation by the DEA, the Akron Police Department, and the Fairlawn Police Department.